Indo-US nuclear deal

I write this blog,with reference to the questions raised by my dear friend Mr.Praveen Pratap Singh on nuclear energy.I have reproduced his facebook post here(i hope u do not have any copyright issues with me).

I Would like to know your views and opinions on India-US nuclear deal

1. How likely it is fruitful for India?

2. Who will be benefited more, India or US?

3. Didn't we have any other route to sort out our electricity problems?

4.How much electricity India generates from existing nuclear power plants?

5. Is it a right step or just a politics?

My doubts

America has itself not installed any Nuclear reactor since 1986 ...then why in India,it is signing a pact?

France has passed a law to reduce production and use of nuclear energy to a minimum by 2050

There is a global reduction in production and use of Nuclear energy, then why India has got a push for it..?

We should not forget Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) and Japan Nuclear Accident(2011).... How much these american companies can be trusted?

Though Insurance laws seem to pay for loss after accident but what will be the criteria... have not we learnt anything from above accidents ...is not it an invitation to disaster or do we have any safe path for use of it... I don't think we have?? that is the reason why European countries in fact US too has reduced the use ....And that's why I am a bit worried that when world is rejecting this concept? why are we accepting it?...Also it's not economically viable, neither it's an immediate short term solution .... then why a push for it?? Is it really a big deal ??

My comments:

Q.How likely it is fruitful for India?

A.First,the nuclear power will add to the existing energy mix(though in small proportion) from non-fossil fuel based energy.The added concern today is climate change which is largely contributed by the green house gases.Nuclear energy is a clean energy,and from this viewpoint,it is a symbolic gesture for our commitment towards adopting clean sources of energy.Second,the Indo-US nuclear deal will likely waive ourselves from constraints in getting nuclear fuel despite being a non-signatory to Non-Proliferation Treaty.This will streamline our 3-stage nuclear energy programme.Consequently,we could make use of the enormous thorium reserves abundantly available in India.

Q. Who will be benefited more, India or US?

A.I think,both the countries,India and US would be benefitted equally.For US,it is a business proposition.India,on the other hand,would benefit from the points mentioned above.India would likely benefit in the longer run.

Q. Didn't we have any other route to sort out our electricity problems?

A.India is primarily dependent on coal-based power plants for electricity generation.And at least for the next few decades,the situation is not going to change either.In the meantime,we can adopt clean coal technology and improve our energy efficiency.India,being a sub-tropical country,is well endowed with uninterrupted sun rays.So,there is wide scope for solar energy.But the problem with renewable energy sources is that it is still at the nascent stage.Other sources of electricity are hydro power,renewable energy and the newly discovered shale-gas energy.

Q..How much electricity India generates from existing nuclear power plants?

A.Out of total installed capacity of 230000 MW of electricity generation,the share of nuclear energy is 4800 MW.That is,nuclear energy contributes about 2% of total energy basket.If we are to succeed with the 3-stage nuclear programme,our ambition of generating 63000 MW of nuclear energy by 2032 would likely be met.

Q. Is it a right step or just a politics?

A.I do not think there is competitive politics involved in the deal.It is because the Congress led UPA government threw its weight behind the nuclear deal,taking calculated political risks,thanks to the enthusiasm of Dr.Manmohan Singh.Today,the party in power at the centre is determined to removing the bureaucratic obstacles impeding the agreement.If the liability concerns are addressed(after all,we do not want another version of Bhopal Gas Tragedy) without compromising on the national security.I think it is a right step.

Note:it is to be remembered that nuclear energy is not the panacea for addressing our growing energy needs.As of now,India is expected to pool an insurance limit of 1500 crores,contributed partly by the General Insurance Company(GIC) and the rest of it by the government through 'soft loans'.This would cushion the supplier against any tort claims and would put the onus of liability on the operator(in this case,NPCIL).The minimum liability on the supplier is also in keeping with the principles of Vienna convention.However,the cost of nuclear power would likely escalate as a result,thus burdening the end-consumer.The real challenge for the government,therefore, is to ensure affordable electricity for all.